Friday, November 29, 2019

Shoehorn Sonata - Distinctively Visual free essay sample

The relationship between our two protagonist Bridie and Sheila is a strained one that leads to fragile results, the viewer understands this through the moments were both of them argue all the time or the cutting sarcastic remarks that are left by Bridie. the irony with the postcards send by sheilas mother raffles bombed. daddy devastated. chin up. mother and the message from the australian prime minister greetings and keep smiling the irony is then proved with the quote from sheila they were skin and bone and covered in boils and theyd just been told to keep smiling! of course this turns out to be immensely funny to the women and they couldnt stop laughing. the terror when bridie and sheila are stranded in the water and they accidentally catch the attention of a japanese ship with its flag raised high like this visual technique is enacted my the projector as it shows a large japanese flag, the blood-red rising sun, which is gradually illuminated as the scene continues (stage directi ons from the playbook). We will write a custom essay sample on Shoehorn Sonata Distinctively Visual or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page he terror is then penetrated by the harsh japanese voices being filtered through the sound system and the older sheila and bridie hold hands giving the look of complete vulnerability as they stand in the spotlight and stare straight ahead as if encompassed by the memory. this allows the audience to see the strength of the bond that these two protagonists share as they relive that which they wish to forget. sometimes even the most horrible of situations have a silver lining this is proven when sheila and bridie play a prank on a guard they refer to as ipstick. Larry, (so named because of his habit of punching women who wore lipstick) with dire consequences they had sown a rusty pin into his loin cloth so that when it came time to bow the pin would stick painfully somewhere into his male anatomy which led to bridie being savagely beaten even so bridie and sheila laughed and still seemed to think that it was the best part of the war. that in turn made their new bond that much stronger and it continued to grow with each event, object, and barrier that crossed their path. he biggest barrier that they ever faced was when bridie got deathly ill and sheila went and sold herself for some tables this visual is knocked into the audiences mind by the shear sincerity that is shared when bridie says she went to the jap. and sold herself to him for some tablets. she was beautiful, kind and brave young woman. she wasnt just my friend.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Visas para novios para visitar a sus parejas en EE.UU.

Visas para novios para visitar a sus parejas en EE.UU. Cuando los miembros de una pareja viven en distintos paà ­ses y uno de los novio est en Estados Unidos y el otro fuera surge la pregunta de quà © visa debe solicitar el que se encuentra en el extranjero para ingresar a EE.UU. La respuesta depende de cul es la finalidad de la visa,  ¿es solo visitar o contraer matrimonio y, a continuacià ³n, obtener los papeles de la residencia permanente? Las reglas que se explican a continuacià ³n aplican tanto a parejas conformadas por una mujer y un varà ³n como a las homosexuales, ya que en EE.UU. las parejas del mismo sexo siguen las mismas reglas migratorias que las heterosexuales. Visas para novios extranjeros para ingresar a EE.UU. Cuando la intencià ³n es solo visitar:Canadienses siguen sus propias reglasVisa de cruce para residentes en la zona fronterizaExencià ³n de visa para chilenos y espaà ±olesVisa de turista para el restoCuando la intencià ³n es contraer matrimonio:Visa K-1, solo para prometidos de ciudadanos estadounidenses.Problemas que pueden surgir en ambos casos:Acusacià ³n de fraude de ley.No respetar los plazos. Visa para novios cuando la intencià ³n es solo visitar El novio extranjero debe ingresar a EE.UU. como turista cuando su à ºnica intencià ³n de visitar a su pareja y, tras la visita, regresar a su paà ­s de origen o de residencia. En este caso las opciones son las siguientes: En el caso de chilenos y los espaà ±oles  pueden viajar sin visa por pertenecer al  Programa de Exencià ³n de Visas (VWP, por sus siglas en inglà ©s). Si llegan por avià ³n tienen que solicitar una autorizacià ³n electrà ³nica para volar que se conoce como ESTA y se tramita por internet. El tiempo mximo que se puede estar en Estados Unidos es de 90 dà ­as, sin posibilidad de extensià ³n. Esta opcià ³n tambià ©n aplica a los ciudadanos de otra treintena de paà ­ses, la mayorà ­a de los cuales son europeos y asiticos y estn incluidos en dicho programa. Por otro lado, los ciudadanos canadienses siguen reglas que sà ³lo aplican a ellos. Adems, los mexicanos y residentes en la zona fronteriza entre Mà ©xico y Estados Unidos pueden solicitar una visa lser, tambià ©n conocida como Tarjeta de Cruce Local, que tiene importantes limitaciones en lo relativo a modo de ingresar a Estados Unidos, plazo mximo de estadà ­a y millas que pueden alejarse de la frontera. Por à ºltimo, para la mayorà ­a de los extranjeros el documento correcto para ingresar como turista es una visa B-2 tambià ©n conocida como visa de paseo o placer. Es frecuente que se apruebe conjuntamente con una B-1 de negocios. Puede ayudar a obtener la aprobacià ³n de la visa, el novio que est legalmente en EE.UU. puede redactar una carta de Invitacià ³n, aunque no es obligatoria. Lo ms importante para sacar la visa es que el solicitante, es decir, el novio/a que vive fuera de los Estados Unidos, no tenga en su pasado ninguna causa que lo convierta en inadmisible. La causa ms comà ºn por la que se niega la visa de turista es por no acreditar lazos familiares y/o econà ³micos suficientes en el lugar en el que se reside.En otras palabras, el oficial consular va a negar la visa si sospecha que el solicitante se va a quedar en los Estados Unidos ms tiempo del autorizado o si su intencià ³n es casarse y, a continuacià ³n, quedarse en el paà ­s. Visa de prometidos para las parejas de ciudadanos americanos Si la intencià ³n de la pareja es casarse y que el novio/a extranjera se quede a vivir en EE.UU. la visa a solicitar no es la de turista sino la visa K-1 para novios o prometidos. Tambià ©n se pueden beneficiar de esa visa los hijos del novio/a, pidiendo para ellos una K-2, siempre y cuando cumplan estos nià ±os con los requisitos de edad y estado civil. Para la visa K-1 es requisito obligatorio que la pareja està © conformada por un estadounidense. En otras palabras, no aplica a los novios de residentes permanentes legales ni de otras personas que se encuentran legalmente en EE.UU. Adems, si un extranjero ingresa a EE.UU. con una visa K-1 debe casarse dentro de los 90 dà ­as siguientes a la entrada al paà ­s y proceder de inmediato a ajustar su estatus. Solo asà ­ podr obtener una tarjeta de residencia permanente y quedarse legalmente en los Estado Unidos. Cabe destacar que si no hay matrimonio dentro de plazo, hay que abandonar los Estados Unidos. No se puede cambiar de visa y permanecer en el paà ­s. Tampoco es posible casarse con una persona distinta a la que patrocinà ³. Antes de hacer cualquier cosa de esas, consultar con un abogado de inmigracià ³n, ya que pueden surgir muchos problemas porque puede suceder que las autoridades migratorias consideren que se mintià ³ para obtener la visa K-1 con la que se ingresà ³ a Estados Unidos y eso serà ­a un fraude de ley. Cuando se entra para una visita de turista y se cambia de opinià ³n Hay un elemento tà ©cnico de las visas al que nadie le presta atencià ³n pero que causa grandes problemas: es el requisito de la intencià ³n. Cuando se ingresa como turista, ya sea con la visa B-2, con la lser o sin visa por ser de un paà ­s en el Programa de Exencià ³n de Visados la intencià ³n es la de ingresar y salirse antes de que se agote el tiempo permitido de estancia legal. Si el oficial migratorio en un puerto, frontera terrestre o aeropuerto considera que la intencià ³n es quedarse en Estados Unidos, no permitir la entrada. Asimismo, si una persona que ingresa como turista se casa inmediatamente, se considerar que su intencià ³n siempre fue la de ingresar para quedarse y, por lo tanto, puede negar cualquier intento de regularizar la situacià ³n mediante un ajuste de estatus para obtener la green card. Y eso es asà ­ aà ºn cuando la persona que presenta la peticià ³n de los papeles para su cà ³nyuge es un ciudadano americano o un residente permanente legal. Es por eso que es muy importante entender plazos y tiempos cuando se ingresa de visa de turista, hay matrimonio y a continuacià ³n se pide un ajuste de estatus. Por à ºltimo, con respecto a lo explicado en este punto, cabe destacar que recientemente ha cambiado la polà ­tica de plazos. En la actualidad, las autoridades migratorias pueden considerar que hay un fraude de ley si el matrimonio tiene lugar y la solicitud de ajuste de estatus se presenta antes de que transcurran 90 dà ­as a contar desde la fecha de ingreso al paà ­s. Hasta fechas recientes ese plazo era ms corto. Por lo tanto, lo que comenten al respecto familiares o amigos puede estar equivocado, porque las reglas, simplemente, han cambiado. Problemas que pueden surgir para los novios visitando a sus enamorados en Estados Unidos Adems de todos los inconvenientes que pueden dar lugar a la cancelacià ³n o revocacià ³n de la visa o a su no renovacià ³n, el principal problema puede darse por ingresar frecuentemente en los Estados Unidos, a tal punto que el oficial migratorio en el punto de entrada al paà ­s considere que la intencià ³n es quedarse. Otro problema puede surgir por continuamente llevar al là ­mite el tiempo permitido de estancia. Y en es que importante no levantar nunca la sospecha de que se est realmente viviendo en Estados Unidos cuando en realidad se tiene un documento que sà ³lo admite estar como turista. En este punto no hay reglas de plazos fijos por lo que todo queda en manos de la opinià ³n del oficial migratorio. Por à ºltimo, si se desea informarse de manera sencilla sobre todo lo que se debe saber de la visa de turista, tomar este test de respuestas mà ºltiples. Saber la respuesta correcta a cada pregunta evitar problemas. Y para navegar en el sistema migratorio estadounidense, el mejor consejo es muy sencillo: no cometer errores. NOTA: Este artà ­culo tiene valor sà ³lo informativo. No debe considerarse en ningà ºn caso consejo legal.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

In Britain, Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp was the most Essay

In Britain, Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp was the most numerically significant form of women's political activism since the - Essay Example As the camp gained fame and publicity, the aims of their movement increased. They now demanded the removal of their cruise and started challenging the gender stereotypes of their time (Wilkison, 2002). In addition, the women also came up with a gendered critique of militarism, even as they asked for the restoration of common land to its prior state. The women camp was largely considered a feministic movement, and this raised different reactions from different people. The Greenham protest had a grand contribution in Britain. The number of women groups and campaigns were on the increase as a result of the protest. Anti-war movements and peace activism groups also drastically increased. In 1980, there was the emergence of a women group, Women Oppose Nuclear Threat (WONT), and 1981 saw the formation of Women Peace Alliance. These women group were vigilant in their activities and often conducted protests in the streets. For instance, in February of 1982, women groups came to a decision th at there would conduct a women only protest. The reasons they had for this was that women were less likely to cause violence even when provoked and that the police and soldiers would be less violent when dealing with them (summers, 1988). These women also viewed that the protest would be a sign of women empowerment and they thought that it would help to undermine the domestic division of labour. Encouraging feministic focus would also be achieved by the protest. Their plan was not without its weaknesses and flaws. For instance, it was difficult for married women to neglect their responsibilities so that they can attend the camp. Attending the camp would force these women to be separated from their families. During their stay in the camp, the women had a set of rules that were a guide to how they should relate. Some of these include disallowing men into the camp after dark, staying away from eating meat. Violence against each other was not allowed, and the decision making process was democratic (Wilkinson, 2002). In the camp, the living conditions were poor, and the women had to withstand all kinds of weather. Rainy seasons and the winter period were especially hard for women because of the cold, but their determination kept them going. The women gave up their comforts for the commitment of their cause. Many women were arrested and taken to prison, but eventually, their efforts bore fruit. Between 1991 and 1992, the cruise missiles were removed from Greenham Common and flown to the USA following the signing of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty. The Treaty is in agreement with the fact that nuclear weapons would have devastating effects on all human-kind. The fact that Greenham was a women only camp many people thought that it had become feminist. To a large extent this is true because, at the camp, the women emphasized the need of women to be deeply involved in politics and leadership roles within the community. Others chose to feminize the feminine protests in the by arguing that the camp taught the women the importance of caring for one another and supporting one another even in difficult times. This was a view held by the radical feminists like Reger, (2005). It is of exceptional significance to note that, from 1983, there was a sharp increase of activities by groups whose agendas were feministic There was a big wave of feminism, both in support of women’s empowerment and development, as well as in support of the cause of the Greenham Common Women’

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Evolution of the Use of Wool Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Evolution of the Use of Wool - Term Paper Example The objective of the paper is to describe about the origin of the wool and its uses for the making the garments. The paper further describes about the advantages of wool in the daily life of human beings. In addition, the main goal of the study is to focus upon the various attributes, which are related with the wool and its evolution throughout the world. Wool is a natural fabric, which is originated from the animal skin or Pelts. It can be said that since the evolution of mankind sheep, goat and other animals were reared for their consumption as well as some other purpose. There are many areas all over the globe where the sheep and goats are used only for the milk and its meat. However, very soon people get realize about the use of the animals’ skin. It is worth mentioning that the wild sheep are hairy. During the 4th BC the woolly sheep were found in the Eastern Europe. Wool was generally produced from the hair or the fiber, which has been grown on the sheep, alpaca, Angora goat and Angora rabbit. When the people come to know about the advantages and benefits of the wool they started trading of wool for expanding the business of woolen garments. Sheep were domesticated in Asia and the technique of the extracting wool has been invented in Asia. However, very soon trade of wool expanded all over the world (Power 1-69). There are many different types of wools that are produced from the different types of sheep and animals. The wool, which is produces by the fleece of sheep and animals are known as fiber. There are many types of wool, which are received from the animals. The white wool is the most common and preferable color. There are many others colors of wool, which can be bore from the sheep, goats, rabbits and alpaca such as brown, black and gray. The white wool is most popular in the manufacturing of the garments not because it can be easily colored, but

Monday, November 18, 2019

Contract problem solving Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Contract problem solving - Essay Example The discussion that follows will examine the actual offer and acceptance and their implications for the existence or non-existence of legally binding variation clause. Another important issue arises out of the doctrine of consideration. If there is no consideration, a valid contract will not exist at all. The brochure submitted by ICL to GSL contains the type of computer that GSL is looking for, but requires a software modification. The computer is advertised at 2,500 pounds as is. GSL responds to the advertised model by asking whether or not the software modification can be made. ICL replies that the software modification can be made, but will be subject to a price variation and that variation will override any clauses contained in the purchase order. Upon placing the order, GSL submits their standard order form which does not contain a variation clause, but does state that the parties are bound by the terms and conditions contained in the purchase order. Upon receiving the order form, ICL signs the form and returns it to GSL. These facts are crucial since the contract between the parties will be formed at the exact moment at which an offer is accepted. In the course of negotiations it is typical for an offer to be made. That offer is required to contain a definite promise providing sufficient and unambiguous details for the other party to accept or decline.1 All contracts begin with an offer, it therefore follows that the offer is required to be stated with clarity. Put another way, the party to whom the offer is directed or communicated must be able to determine from that offer exactly what it is that is being offered as well as the terms of the offer.2 The law is quite clear that in order for the acceptance of an offer to be legally binding it must follow the essential substance of the offer made.3 The offer in this case originated in a catalogue. The initial question is

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Personality defined as a consistent behavior pattern

Personality defined as a consistent behavior pattern What is Personality? Figure : Six approaches to PersonalityPersonality can be defined as consistent behavior pattern and intrapersonal processes originating within the individual (Burger, 2008, p. 4). But this being said, there is no single answer how to describe human personality. Personality theorists have different ideas and point out different ways to explain personality. According to Burger (2008) there are six general approaches, which all provides a different focus for explaining personality and the differences in people`s behavior. Burger (2008) identified the psychoanalytic approach, the trait approach, the biological approach, the humanistic approach, the behavioral approach, and the cognitive approach (p. 5). Each approach has been developed by different psychologists, who display different theories about the differences in the way people behave. From this theory researchers branch hypothesis and collect data that either support or do not support the hypothesis and their theory (Burger, 2008, p.5). Within the framework of this final enclosure I will only dwell on theories of the psychoanalytic approach, the trait approach, and humanistic approach. Approaches and Theories The Psychoanalytic Approach The psychoanalytic approach concentrates on the people`s unconscious minds, which are primary accountable for important differences in their behavior pattern (Burger, 2008, p. 5).That means, that people`s behavior is affected by past experiences that are left in people`s unconscious mind. People are not aware of these minds. In common the psychoanalytic approach places a huge emphases on these unconscious processes in order to explain human behavior. The Freudian Theory of Personality Freud Discovers the Unconscious Sigmunf Freud developed the first widespread theory of personality and psychoanalysis. After working with hypnosis to help patients suffering from hytsteria, Freud realized the huge impact of unconscious minds on human behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 68). As a therapy, psychoanalysis is based on the concept that individuals are unaware of many factors that cause their behavior and emotions. These unconscious factors have the capability to produce unhappiness. This unhappiness could be expressed through noticeable symptoms, which can includes worrying personality nature, difficulty in social relationships or unrest in self-esteem. To get at the unconscious minds of a person, Freudian psychologists use projective tests, free association, hypnosis and dream interpretation to bring the unconscious source of the client`s problems into awareness (Burger, 2008, p. 69). According to Freud`s topographic model, human personality can be parceled into conscious (thoughts people are aware of), preconscious (thoughts, that can be brought into awareness with little difficulty) and unconscious (is the material, to which people are unaware and have no immediate access) parts (Burger, 2008, pp. 44-45). Freud also generated the structural model which divides personality in id (selfish part, concerned only with satisfying personal desires; totally unconscious), ego (to satisfy id impulses, but in a manner that takes into consideration realities of the situation; partly conscious) and superego (represents moral, values and standards; totally conscious). Regarding to Freud, a healthy personality is one in which the ego controls the id impulses and superego demand (Burger, 2008, pp. 45-47). Application to business environment Freud`s theory of subconscious playes an important role in business environment for example by doing marketing and advertsing measures as well as by designing and producing consumer`s products. According to Zaltman (2003) the subconscious mind of the market`s consumer is the place where most purchasing decisions are made. The marketers have to understand the consumer`s thinking, behavior and attitudes in order to satisfy the consumer`s desires and needs. One-on-one interviews that are enriched by using various techniques from clinical psychology and sociology can bear further insights into unconscious consumer thinking, which can for example help to identify new product opportunities (Zaltman, 2003). The cognitive unconscious involves memory, attention, information processing, the nature of human universals, and socially shared cognitions. Zaltman patented 1995 the Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique (ZMET), a market research tool by using interviews and analysis to uncover the re levant fundamental structures that guide peoples thinking about a topic. (Wikipedia, 2010). Associations of consumers can be effectively identified and then used in advertising and marketing measures to help marketers communicate more effectively to consumers about a brand, product, or topic. Because of the global market and the increasing competition it is more and more important to understand the consumer`s behavior and needs. Relating to Zaltman (2003), therefore the marketers have to acquire advanced knowledge about consumer`s behavior and their unconscious minds in order to use this knowledge to benefit consumers. The Freudian Theory of Defense Mechanisms According to Freud ´s theory of a healthy personality the ego tries to find compromises between the unconscious id impulse and conscious superego demand. Therefore the ego often uses defense mechanism to deal for example with unwanted thoughts or desires as well as to reduce or avoid anxiety by keeping this material out of consciousness (Burger, 2008, p. 68). Freud`s defense mechanism, in order to cope with these unwanted thoughts, desires or anxiety, are for example repression (threatening material is pushed by the ego out of consciousness), sublimation (threatening unconscious impulse are channeled into socially acceptable action), displacement (channeling impulse to nonthreatening objects), denial (refusing to accept, that facts exist), reaction formation (acting in a manner opposite to the unconscious desires), intellectualization (considering something in a intellectual unemotional manner to bring difficult thoughts into consciousness without anxiety), and projection (projecti ng impulse onto another person) (Burger, 2008, pp 48-50). According to Burger (2008, p. 78) Freud identified the defense mechanism repression as the cornerstone of psychoanalysis. Investigators measure defense mechanisms by interpreting responses to Rorschach inkblots, stories, Thematic Apperception Test, picture cards (Burger, 2008, pp. 79-80) Application to business environment Also in the business environment defense mechanism play an important role. Day to day Managers and employees try to satisfy their needs for example achievement, job satisfaction, responsibility, self-esteem and self-actualization. They also try to avoid situations, in which they feel dissatisfied, threaten, unhappy, depressed, weak or anxious. Managers and employees use defense mechanism, which we are not aware of, in order to manipulate unlikely situation to feel satisfied, productive, respected and accepted. (Schaffer, 1971). Schaffer (1971) identified one of the most common defense mechanism of managers doing all I can in these circumstances illusion. He argues, that most of the managers place a deferral around their own possible cause of action. Within in this borderline, they see themselves as doing everything they can. Managers often see limitation in their scope of initiative because of unmotivated and unqualified employees. Needed improvements are always the job of another manager or employee (Schaffer, 1971). In this way, Manger cope with their fear of failure and uneasiness and use defense mechanism in order to reach their goals. Schaffer (1971) also suggested that managers keep themselves comfortable by keeping busy to avoid doubts about themselves and how things are going. Neo Freudian Theories Freud`s Psychoanalytic Society, as the oldest and most famous approach to explaining human personality, generated a lot of new theories, which retained the unconscious as a key factor to understand different behavior styles. These neo-Freudians mostly agree with Freudian concepts, but they also went on to develop their own theories, in which they pick up the failures of Freud`s Theory like his emphasis on instinctual over social influences and the generally negative picture he painted of human nature. (Burger, 2008, pp. 99) Alfred Adler: Striving for Superiority Alfred Adler concentrated on the concept of striving for superiority to explain differences in human`s behavior and motivation. He argued, that at the beginning of every psychological life is a feeling of inferiority and helplessness, which a person lifelong tries to overcome. Everything a person does, occurs on this struggle in order to establish a sense of superiority over life`s obstacles. (Burger, 2008, pp. 101-102) Adler differed from Freud in the way how he described human motivation. Freud identified, that human behavior is motivated by life/sexual and death/aggressive instincts, whereas Adler identified this striving for superiority as an overall motivational factor (Burger, 2008, p. 101). Application to business environment Regarding to Adler, the reason why we work hard or try to achieve a position of power, is the human`s desire for striving for superiority or success. Due to this fact, Adler saw business success as an expression of superiority striving. He argued, that, the more inferior humans see themselves, the stronger their striving for superiority, which push them to become successful (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Adler also suggested, that successful business people reach a sense of superiority and success through their performances, but only if they achieve their goals with observance for cooperate social responsibility (CSR) and welfare (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Success means to provide consumers with a good product at a fair price that will make everyone`s life a little happier (Burger, 2008, p. 102). This can also involve every kind of CSR activities for example paying employees a fair salary, providing good and safe working conditions, using safe and eco-friendly production and transportation systems, stewardship of available resources, avoiding discrimination as well as unfair competition. In contrast poorly adjusted people express their striving for superiority through selfishness and a concern for personal glory at the expense of others (Burger, 2008, p. 102). Alfred Adler: Birth Order Adler also put their emphasis on the role of birth order in forming personality. He argued that firstborn children differ in their behavior and personality from middle-born and lastborn children (Burger, 2008, p. 103). Relating to Adler problem children, neurotics, criminals, drunkards and perverts are mostly firstborns, as a result of less attention and less pampering by their parents, after a sibling was born. In the opposite middle-born children develop a strong superiority striving, because they are always used to have another sibling and they are never granted the luxury of being pampering. Adler believed, that lastborn children are pampered throughout their whole childhood, which can lead to a high dependency from others and a strong feeling of inferiority (Burger, 2008, p. 104). In common the middle-born children were the most achieving and were less vulnerable to psychological dysfunction than the firstborns or lastborns (Burger, 2008, p. 127). Application to business environment Nowadays there are widespread beliefs in science and economy, that birth order is an important determinant of personality, intelligence, and economic success. Ben Dattner , a professor and notable consultant in New York, argued, that sibling dynamics play an important role in how you sell yourself in the workplace, based on the time, attention, love and resources your parents devoted to you (as cited in Bolch, 2007). According to Dattner, firstborn children are likely extroverted and confident, but they are also worried about losing their position or intrigue and stave off failings and mistakes. He argued, that middle-born children are likely diplomatic, are good at negotiation and are very peace-loving persons, who are closer to friends than to family. In his eyes, the most achieving-orientated are the only children, who are always trying to acknowledge their parents` forecasts and requirements. (Bolch, 2007). Scher, the CEO of a marketing services company, argued, that they found out, that a lot of their best employees were lastborn children, who could negotiate and knew how to communicate (as cited in Bolch, 2007). But finally, the common perception is, that the birth order could have a impact on human`s personality and behavior , but there are any more various factors, which have an huge impact on a person`s development or business success. For example gender, culture, socioeconomic factors, divorces, remarriages and so on (Bolch, 2007). Carl Jung: Collective Unconscious According to Carl Jung, all human inherit basically the same unconscious material (from past generations) and psychic characteristics, which Jung called the collective unconscious (Burger, 2008, p. 105).This collective unconscious houses primordial images, called archetypes. The most interesting archetypes are the anima (the feminine side of the male), the animus (the masculine side of the female) and the shadow (contains the negative and dark side of human`s personality) (Burger, 2008, p. 106). Jung argued, that there are as many archetypes as there are typical situations in life (as cited in Burger, 2008, p.106). He described these archetypes as a certain answer to the world and it`s situations (Burger, 2008, p. 106). Application to business environment Richardson (2007) focused on the power of Jungian hero archetypes in consumer brand building. He argued, that the archetypes are a powerful tool for mass marketing and brand building and which are successfully used to influence human behavior through story telling in the form of myths (Richardson, 2007). This could help to sell and advertise a company`s products and services in order to create brand recognition and loyal customers. Richardson (2007) argues, that increasing competition is the reason why companies concentrated on consumer`s unconsciousness and their archetypes in order to analyze and influence consumer`s behavior and attitudes. For example, Marlboro used the archetypical hero, the Marlboro Man, to advertise their cigarettes. As a result, Marlboro was ranked as the worlds No. 1 most valuable brand, which clearly supported the power of hero-archetype advertising and drove competitors to try to employ archetypes as well (Richardson, 2007). Erik Erikson: Personality Development through Life Cycle Erikson argued, that personality development persists through a person`s lifetime (Burger, 2008, p. 111). He defined eight stages, all people have to go through. At each stage people are faced with a crisis and two different ways (one is intelligent and suitable, the other not) to cope with the crisis (Burger, 2008, p. 111). The way we pass through each crisis, influences and determines the rout of march of our personality development and how we cope with later crisis.(Burger, 2008, p. 111).According to Erikson a person`s life cycle started from infancy to old age. C:UsersTanjaDesktopErik Erikson.bmp Figure : Erikson`s Eight Stages of Development (Burger, 2008, p.112) When a person complete a stage successfully, this could lead to a healthy personality with good social skills. Failure could result in a disorder of personality and could reduce the ability to cope with later crisis (Burger, 2008, p. 112). Application to business environment Erik Erikson`s personality development through life cycle is also applicable to career development in business. According to Munley (1977) Eriksons theory helps to understand the developmental nature of job-related behavior. He argues, that the development of basic senses of initiative, industry, identity, generativity, and integrity all seem to be especially relevant to career development behavior (Munley, 1977, p. 263). Erikson analyzed the crisis of the ego identity at the adolescence stage, which inherits a human`s conscious about who he is and where he is going. According to Munley (1977), Erikson recognized the huge impact of occupational choice as a part of the identity crisis. He argues, that most of the young people are confused by the irresolution to choose an occupational identity (Munley, 1977). A person without a sense of identity and the conscious how he fits into society may likely be unable in terms of job-related choice and career decision making. In the opposite a person with a strong sense of ego identity will be more able to make suitable vocational decisions and choices in order to become successful in business world (Munley, 1977). Karen Horney: Feminine Psychology Karen Horney argued, that differences in men`s and women`s personality are the consequences of cultural and social factors (Burger, 2008, p, 116). According to Freud`s theory, young girl likely has the desire to have penis in their latency stage, which inherits feelings of inferiority and jealously because of its absence (Burger, 2008, p. 54). In respond to this penis envy, Horney identified the concept of womb envy, which is the men`s jealously of women`s ability to bear and nurse children, which men try to compensate by becoming successful in other domains (Burger, 2008, p. 120). Application to business environment Relating to Horney, there are attributes of men and women, which the other sex admires (Burger, 2008, p. 120). She also argued, that society often placed women in inferior positions, which could be the reason, why some women wish to be a men (Burger, 2008, p. 120). Even though, nowadays society, labor market, business environment and law seem to treat men and women equally, discrimination against women still exists. According to a study of Johnson et al. (2010), beautiful women were discriminated against when applying for high-level job positions for example a manager, director or leader position, which are almost identified as masculine jobs. Johnson et. al (2010) argued, that attractive women are always preferred in feminine sex-typed jobs, which inherits for example higher salary and better performance evaluations. But in return, there are still men dominated and masculine sex-typed jobs, in which women are still disadvantaged (Johnson et al., 2010). Aggression and Frustration Freud was the first psychologist, who focused on the association between frustration and aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 137). He identified aggression as a consequence of frustrated instincts. According to Freud all of the persons have an instinctual desire to destroy themselves, whereby the instinct is turned outward towards others (Burger, 2008, p.137). Later, based on Freud`s original position, the frustration-aggression hypothesis was created by a team of psychologists. They argued, that aggression is always a consequences of frustration and frustration will always leads to some form of aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 137). Relating to Burger (2008) frustration can often effect indirect aggression. Freud argued, that people usual displace their (indirect) aggression against some harmless target in order to deal with their aggression or feelings of frustration (Burger, 2008, pp. 137-138). The frustration-aggression hypothesis was largely analyzed in various studies, which for example f ond out, that frustrated people were more aggressively than non-frustrated people or that unpleasant emotions increased aggression (Burger, 2008, pp. 138-141). As a result new models of frustration-aggression hypothesis were created, which expressed, that frustration does not always result in aggression (Burger, 2008, p. 141). Application to business environment Nowadays, the relationship between frustration and aggression can be seen in various social contexts. Neuman Baron (1997) for example analyzed the impact of aggression in workplace. They described aggression as a harm-doing pattern, which includes psychological and physical injury (Neuman Baron, 1997).They categorized eight types of workplace aggression (Neuman Baron, 1997). C:UsersTanjaDesktopaggression 1.JPGC:UsersTanjaDesktopaggression2.JPG Figure : Eight Types of Workplace Aggression (Neuman Baron, 1997, p. 40) Neuman Baron (1997) identified for example destruction of machinery and goods, work slowdowns, passing on defective work and intentionally misplacing of important paperwork as acts of sabotage in the workplace. Reasons for workplace aggression can be worker frustration (because of unfair salary or mobbing, downsizing and increasing number of part time jobs), stress and emotional disturbance (Neuman Baron, 1997). In order to cope with workplace aggression Neuman Baron (1997) suggested different tactic for example (1) creating procedures to select potentially aggressive employees, (2) punishing aggressive employees, (3) developing strategies to reduce feelings of frustration and injustice and (4) providing training programs, which involves improving employee`s social skills, providing coping strategies and alternatives to aggression. The Trait Approach According to Burger, the researchers of this approach focus on a spectrum of different personality characteristics (Burger, 2008, p. 5). The trait approach argues, that each person fits into a personality category, which inherits a certain pattern of behavior, that differs from the behavior of other categories (Burger, 2008, p. 155). Henry Murray`s Psychogenic Needs Henry Murray analyzed and explained human personality by focusing on psychogenic needs, which he described as a readiness to respond in a certain way under certain given conditions ( as cited in Burger, 2008, p. 161). Relating to Carl Jung, Murray argued, that this personal hierarchy of needs mainly exists in human`s unconsciousness (Burger, 2008, p. 161). C:UsersTanjaDesktopUnbenannt.JPG C:UsersTanjaDesktopUnbenannt2.JPG Figure : Murray`s Psychogenic Needs (Ewen, 1980) Application to business environment Murray`s theory of psychogenic needs is quite useful in order to motivate employees. According to Gray (1998), the most important motivational factor for small business owners and self-employees are their strong sense of autonomy and independency. He found out, that the need for independency is the main reason for new business owners to start up their business (Gray 1998, p. 137). Gray (1998) also analyzed the motivational impact of the need for achievement on manager`s behavior, performance and success. He also identified achievement as a multidimensional factor in the term of managerial characteristics, which involves for example work ethic, pursuit excellence, social status and respect as well as dominance, competitiveness, acquisitiveness and mastery (Gray, 1998, p.134). The Big Five The Big Five model describes five dimensions of personality, which are used to explain human`s personality and differences in human`s behavior. The Big Five model is based on Raymond Cattell`s effort to describe the basic dimensions of personality by analyzing data from different sources with factor analyses (Burger, 2008, p. 165). According to Burger (2008) different teams of researchers found, via factor analysis, the evidence for five basic dimensions of personality (Burger, 2008, p.165). This model is a descriptive model for personality, which involves the most common used dimensions (1) Neuroticism, (2) Extraversion, (3) Openness, (4) Agreeableness and (5) Conscientiousness (Burger, 2008, pp. 165-167). Burger (2008) argued, that although people may identify personality as if all traits can be clustered to five dimensions, the Big Five model may not exactly capture the complexities and intricacies of human personality (Burger, 2008, p. 169). Application to business environment Employers realized the importance of personality testes for hiring and promoting employees. By using the five larger personality dimensions, employer try to analyze the relationship of employee`s personality and job performance. Researchers identified the factor Conscientiousness under the Big Five factors as the best predictor of job performance (Burger, 2008, p. 175). According to Burger (2008) high conscientious employees are likely careful, thorough, well organized, hardworking, persistent and achievement-orientated. People with these attribute tend to become a good and diligent employee. Type A, Hostility and Health Medical professionals identified the Type A Type B behavior pattern by noticing that the behavior of heart attack patients differ from other patient`s behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 201). Typical Type A persons are high achievement-orientated, energetic and powerful, attracted to competition, easily aroused to anger and action and don ´t like wasting time. In return Type B people are relaxed and unhurried, don`t like to seek competition or to be aroused to anger or action (Burger, 2008, p. 202). Type A primary differ from Type B in various behavior tendencies for example the sense of achievement striving, time urgency and hostility. The most significant component of Type A people is their expression of frustration through anger and hostility (Burger, 2008, p. 202). Investigators argued, that high-anger and high-hostility patients are fortified hit by high blood pressure, heart and cardiovascular disease (Burger, 2008, pp. 204- 205). But according to Burger (2008) Type A persons are not necessarily unhealthy, if they are able not to be dragged down by minor rebounds and little frustrations (Burger, 2008, p. 206). Application to business environment A Manger`s working day is filled with various numbers of appointments, meetings, phone-calls, negotiations, responsibility and decision makings. Managers wake up early and they mostly have no time to eat or sleep. They are full of energy, high-achievement orientated, enjoy power and recognition and are strongly motivated to overcome obstacles. These are all characteristics of a Type A personality (Burger, 2008, pp. 201-203). Larson (2009) also mentioned in his article How personality can influence success the following characteristics of Type A personality: always in a hurry, multi-tasking, teeth grinding, tendency to interrupt, fast eater, talker, frequently lose sleep, aggressiveness, inability to relax. He argued, that Type As seem to be strong leaders, have the ability to work well under pressure and are able to ensure that all work is accomplished in a timely manner. According to Larson (2009) Type A persons are also often entrepreneurial, good delegators and are able to react quickly. Due to this fact, I postulate the hypothesis Managers are almost Type A persons, which has to be tested or confirmed by already existing studies. Characteristics of Socially Anxious People Shyness, feelings of nervousness, inability to concentrate, worrying about to say something wrong or stupid, cut conversations short or avoid them and less self-confidence are all characteristics of socially anxious people (Burger, 2008, pp. 206-210). According to Burger (2008) social anxiety is anxiety related specifically to social interactions or anticipated social interactions (p. 206). Relating to different researchers, the reason why people become anxious is, that they worry about what other people think of them (Burger, 2008, p. 210). Shy and socially anxious people fear, that other people think poorly of them or that they disgrace themselves. Burger (2008) argued, that the shy person`s interaction style is a kind of self-protection, because they put all their efforts on making a good impression. (Burger, 2008, pp. 210-211). Application to business environment Cuncic (2010) postulated, that social anxiety disorder has an huge impact on humans` workplace and career. He argued, that social anxiety in workplace will be reflected by the inability to network effectively, the fear of attending business social events, the difficulty to develop relationships with coworkers, the lack of self-confidence, and difficulty to speak up in meetings (Cuncic, 2010). According to Carducci, a psychology professor at Indiana University, when shyness is properly managed, there will be no limit to the achievement of shy people in the business world (as cited in Cuncic, 2010). The Humanistic Approach The humanistic approach focus on humans` feelings of self-acceptance, self-esteem and personal charge to identify and explain personality and differences in personal behavior (Burger, 2008, p. 5). According to Burger (2008) a key distinction between the humanistic approach and other theories of personality is that people are assumed to be largely responsible for their actions (p. 288). Humanistic researchers identified and concentrated on 4 key elements in order to identify human`s personality. Humanistic scientist focused on (1) the personal responsibility, (2) the here and now, (3) the phenomenology of the individual and (4) the personal growth (Burger, 2008, pp.290-292). Abraham Maslow`s Hierarchy of Needs Maslow identified five levels of needs, which he arranged in a hierarchy of needs. These needs are (1) physiological, (2) safety, (3) social, belongingness and love, (4) esteem and (5) self-actualization (Burger, 2008, p. 300). He argued, that the lower levels` needs have to be satisfied before a higher-level need comes into play. C:UsersTanjaAppDataLocalMicrosoftWindowsTemporary Internet FilesContent.Wordmaslows_hierarchy_businessballs.jpg Figure : Maslow`s Hierarchy of Needs (Chapman, 2001) 1.The physiological needs These needs are the biological needs and consist of the human body`s primary needs, such as foods, water, air, sleep, sex. These needs will dominate when they are unsatisfied and they serve the basis for motivation (Burger, 2008, p. 299). 2. The safety needs Maslow argued, that people are also motivated by satisfying their safety needs. Safety needs include protection from physical harm, ill health, economic disasters or when the future is not predictable (Burger, 2008, pp. 299-300). 3. Social needs When physical and safety needs are satisfied, the next higher level of needs assumes importance. These needs are related to the social nature of people and their need for love, belongingness and companionship. According to Burger (2008) while the satisfaction of the psychological and safety needs will not guarantee happiness, the need for friendship and love soon emerges (p. 300). Dissatisfaction of this level of need may affect the mental health of the individual. 4. Esteem needs The need for both awareness of importance to others (self-esteem) and actual esteem from others is included. Satisfaction of these needs may lead to self-confidence and prestige. If the satisfaction of these needs will failure, this may lead in feelings of inferiority and disincentives (Burger, 2008, p. 301). 5. Need for self-actualization That means, that people will realize fully the potentialities of talents and capabilities. Maslow argued, if all other lower needs are satisfied, people will try to reach self-actualization and focus on developing themselves. He also suggested, that only a few people will reach the level of self-actualization (Burger, 2008, p. 301). Application to business environment

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Descriptive Essay - The City Dock :: Descriptive Essay, Descriptive Writing

The perfect place in the city is one that is incredibly versatile – it may be bustling with activity one minute and nearly deserted the next. The city dock has been a mainstay of the city for as long as anyone can remember, and it has a different effect on everyone. Everyone can appreciate the dock for his or her own reasons. One of the best aspects of the city dock is the amount of activity that can almost always be found if you know where to look. Every year the Great Dock Canoe Race – an event in which teams of two people race a canoe across the bay - is held at the dock, and you’re guaranteed to find many teams racing their canoes in the bay. Hundreds of people crowd the dock to watch and then move next door to the Dock restaurant to celebrate with the winning team. Right off the dock is a tiny stretch of restaurants and quaint shops, and then of course there are the boats. Of the dozens of boats - from sailboats to houseboats to leisure ships, from red to white to yellow - that are anchored at the city dock, you’re sure to strike up a conversation with one of the friendly people who live here, and it’s a great place for casual parties with friends. On the last Fourth of July, my friends and I gathered on the top deck of my father’s houseboat to watch the fireworks d isplay that lit the sky. It offered an amazing vantage point from which we could see across town. The city dock, however, can also be a solitary place. When you sit on the top deck of a boat, it seems like you are all by yourself in the world. From that height, you have a birds’ eye view of the dock and the bay, and though there may be people around the dock below you, you are removed from their action. It’s the best way to take a break from the stress and activity of the day.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Night World : Black Dawn Chapter 20

Maggie held Sylvia gently. Or at least, she knelt by her and tried to hold herasbest she could without disturbing the piece of broken spear that wasstill lodged in Sylvia's body. It was all over. Where Hunter Redfern and hismost trusted nobles had been, there was a large scorched crater in the earth. Maggie vaguely recalled seeing a few people running for the hillsGavin the slave trader had been among them. But Hunter hadn't been one of them. He had been at ground zero when the blue fire struck, and nowthere wasn't even a wisp of red hair to show thathe had existed. Except for Delos, there weren't any Night Peopleleft in the courtyard atall. The slaves were just barely peeking out againfrom their huts. â€Å"It's all right,† Jeanne was yelling. â€Å"Yeah, youheard me it's all right!Delos isn't dangerous. Notto us, anyway. Come on, you, get out of therewhat are you doing hiding behind that pig?† â€Å"She's good at this,† a grim voice murmured. Maggie looked up and saw a tall, gaunt figure,with a very small girl clasped to her side. â€Å"Laundress!† she said. â€Å"Oh, and PJ.-I'm so glad you're all right. But, Laundress, please†¦ .† The healing woman knelt. But even as she did, alook passed between her and Sylvia. Sylvia's facewas a strange, chalky color, with shadows thatlooked like bruises under her eyes. There was alittle blood at the corner of her mouth. â€Å"It's no good,† she said thickly. â€Å"She's right,† Laundress said bluntly. â€Å"There'snothing you can do to help this one, Deliverer, andnothing I can do, either.† â€Å"I'm not anybody's Deliverer,† Maggie said. Tearsprickled behind her eyes. â€Å"You could have fooled me,† Laundress said, andgot up again. â€Å"I see you sitting here, and I see allthe slaves over there, free. You came and it happened-the prophecies were fulfilled. If you didn'tdo it, it's a strange coincidence.† The look in her dark eyes, although as unsentimental as ever, made Maggie's cheeks burn suddenly. She looked back down at Sylvia. â€Å"But she's the one who saved us,† she said, hardlyaware that she was speaking out loud. â€Å"She deserves some kind of dignity†¦.† â€Å"She's not the only one who saved us,† a voicesaid quietly, and Maggie looked up gratefully atDelos. â€Å"No, you did, too.† â€Å"That's not what I meant,† he said, and kneltwhere Laundress had. One of his hands touched Maggie's shoulder lightly, but the other one wentto Sylvia's. â€Å"There's only one thing I can do to help you,† hesaid. â€Å"Do you want it?† â€Å"To become a vampire?† Sylvia's head movedslightly in a negative. â€Å"No. And since there's woodnext to my heart right now, I don't think it would work anyway.† Maggie gulped and looked at the spear, whichhad cracked in the confusion when the guards ran. â€Å"We could take it out – !† I wouldn't live through it. Give up for once, will you?† Sylvia's head moved slightly again in disgust. Maggie had to admire her, even dying, she still hadthe strength to be nasty. Witches were tough. â€Å"Listen,† Sylvia said, staring at her. â€Å"There'ssomething I want to tell you.† She drew a painfulbreath. â€Å"About your brother.† Maggie swallowed, braced to hear the terrible details â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"It really bugged me, you know? I would put on my nicest clothes, do my hair, we would go out †¦and then he'd talk about you.† Maggie blinked, utterly nonplussed. This wasn't at all what she had expected. â€Å"He would?† â€Å"About his sister.How brave she was. How smartshe was. How stubborn she was.† Maggie kept blinking. She'd heard Miles accuse her of lots of things, but never of being smart. Shefelt her eyelids prickle again and her throat swellpainfully. â€Å"He couldn't stand to hear a bad word about you,† Sylvia was saying. Her purple-shadowed eyes narrowed suddenly, the color of bittersweet nightshade. â€Å"And I hated you for that. But him †¦ I liked him.† Her voice was getting much weaker. Aradia knelton her other side and touched the shimmering silvery hair. â€Å"You don't have long,† she said quietly, as if giving a warning. Sylvia's eyes blinked once, as if to say she understood. Then she turned her eyes on Maggie. â€Å"I told Delos I killed him,† she whispered.†But †¦I lied.† Maggie felt her eyes fly open. Then all at onceher heart was beating so hard that it shook herentire body. â€Å"You didn'tkill him? He's alive?† â€Å"I wanted to punish him†¦ but I wanted himnear me, too†¦.† A wave of dizziness broke over Maggie. She bentover Sylvia, trying not to clutch at the slender shoulders. All she could see was Sylvia's pale face. â€Å"Please tell me what you did,† she whisperedwith passionate intensity. â€Å"Please tell me.† â€Å"I had him †¦ changed.† The musical voice wasonly a distant murmur now. â€Å"Made him a shapeshifter †¦ and added a spell. So he wouldn'tbe human again until I wanted †¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"What kind of spell?† Aradia prompted quietly. Sylvia made a sound like the most faraway ofsighs. â€Å"Not anything that you need to deal with,Maiden†¦. Just take the leather band off his leg.He'll always be a shapeshifter †¦but he won't be lost to you†¦.† Suddenly her voice swelled up a little stronger,and Maggie realized that the bruised eyes werelooking at her with something like Sylvia's oldmalice. â€Å"You're so smart †¦ I'm sure you can figure outwhich animal †¦Ã¢â‚¬  After that a strange sound came out of herthroat, one that Maggie had never heard before.Somehow she knew without being told that itmeant Sylvia was dying-right then. The body in the green dress arched up once andwent still. Sylvia's head fell back. Her eyes, the color of tear-drenched violets, were open, staringup at the sky, but they seemed oddly flat. Aradia put a slender dark hand on the paleforehead. â€Å"Goddess of Life, receive this daughter of Hellewise,† she said in her soft, ageless voice. â€Å"Guideher to the other world.† She added, in a whisper,†She takes with her the blessing of all the witches.† Maggie looked up almost fearfully to see if theshining figure who had surrounded Aradia like anaura would come back. But all she saw was Aradia's beautiful face, with its smooth skin the color of coffee with cream and its compassionate blindgaze. Then Aradia gently moved her hand down to shutSylvia's eyes. Maggie clenched her teeth, but it was no use.She gasped once, and then somehow she was in the middle of sobbing violently, unable to stop it.But Delos's arms were around her, and she buriedher face in his neck, and that helped. When she gotcontrol of herself a few minutes later, she realizedthat in his arms she felt almost what she had inher dream, that inexpressible sense of peace and security. Of belonging, utterly. As long as her soulmate was alive, and they weretogether, she would be all right. Then she noticed that P.J. was pressed up againsther, too, and she let go of Delos to put one armaround the small shaking body. â€Å"You okay, kiddo?† she whispered. P.J. sniffed. â€Å"Yeah. I am, now. It's been prettyscary, but I'm glad it's over.† â€Å"And you know,† Jeanne said, looking down atSylvia with her hands on her hips, â€Å"that's how Iwant to go. Taking my own way out †¦ and totally pissing everybody off at the end.† Maggie glanced up, startled, and choked. Thenshe gurgled. Then she shook her head, and knewthat her crying spell was over. â€Å"I don't even know why I'm like this about her. She wasn't a nice person. I wanted to kill her myself.† â€Å"She was a person,† Delos said. Which, Maggie decided, was about the best summing-up anybody could provide. She realized that Jeanne and Laundress andDelos were looking at her intently, and that Aradia's face was turned her way. â€Å"Well?† Jeanne said. â€Å"Do you know? Which animal your brother is?† â€Å"Oh,†Maggie said. â€Å"I think so.† She looked at Delos. â€Å"Do you happen to knowwhat the name Gavin means? For a shapeshifter?Does it mean falcon?† His blacklashed golden eyes met hers. â€Å"Hawk orfalcon. Yes.† Warm pleasure filled Maggie. â€Å"Then I know,† she said simply. She stood up, and Delos came with her as if he belonged by her. â€Å"How can we find the falcon she had with her thatfirst day we met? When you were out with the hunting party?† â€Å"It should be in the mews,† Delos said. A fascinated crowd gathered behind them as theywent. Maggie recognized Old Mender, smiling and cackling, and Soaker, not looking frightened anymore, and Chamber-pot Emptier †¦ â€Å"We really need to get you guys some newnames,† she muttered. â€Å"Can you just pick one or something?† The big girl with the moon face and the gentleeyes smiled at her shyly. â€Å"I heard of a noble named Hortense once†¦ .† â€Å"That's good,† Maggie said, after just the slightestpause. â€Å"Yeah, that's great. I mean, comparatively.† They reached the mews, which was a dark littleroom near the stable, with perches all over thewalls. The falcons were upset and distracted, and the air was full of flapping wings. They all lookedalike to Maggie. â€Å"It would be a new bird,† Delos said. â€Å"I thinkmaybe that one. Is the falconer here?† While everyone milled around looking for him, Jeanne edged close to Maggie. â€Å"What I want to know is how you know. How didyou even know Gavin was a shapeshifter at all?† â€Å"I didn't-but it was sort of logical. After all, Bernwas one. They both seemed to have the same kind of senses. And Aradia said that Sylvia took care of Miles down at her apartment, and Bern and Gavinwere both there. So it seemed natural that maybeshe made one of them pass the curse along toMiles.† ‘But why did you figure Gavin was a falcon?† â€Å"I don't know,† Maggie said slowly. â€Å"I justwell,he looked a little bit like one. Sort of thin andgolden. But it was more things that happened-he got away from Delos and over to the hunting party too fast to have gone by ground. I didn't really think about it much then, but it must have stuckat the back of my mind.† Jeanne gave her a narrow sideways glance. â€Å"Stilldoesn't sound like enough.† â€Å"No-but mostly, it was that Milesjust had to bea falcon. It had to be something small-Sylviawould hardly be carrying a pigora tiger or a beararound with her up the mountain. And I saw herwith a falcon that first day. It was something she could keep near her, something that she could control. Something that was an-accessory. It just allmade sense.† Jeanne made a sound like hmph.†I still don'tthink you're a rocket scientist. I think you luckedout† Maggie turned as the crowd brought a little manwith a lean, shrewd face to her-Falconer. â€Å"Well,we don't know yet,† she murmured fervently. â€Å"ButI sure hope so.† The little man held up a bird. â€Å"This is the newone. Lady Sylvia said never to take the green bandoff his leg-but I've got a knife. Would you like todo it?† Maggie held her breath. She tried to keep herhand steady asshe carefully cut through the emerald green leather band, but her fingers trembled. The leather tie fell free-and for a moment hexheart stood still, because nothing happened. And then she saw it. The rippling changeasthebird's wings outstretched and thickened and thefeathers merged and swam†¦and then Falconerwas moving back, and a human form was takingshape†¦ . And then Miles was standing there, with his auburn hair shining red gold and his handsome,wicked smile He gave her the thumbs-up sign. â€Å"Hey, I knew you would rescue me. What arelittle sisters for?† he said-and then Maggie was inhis arms. It seemed a long time later that all the hugging and crying and explaining was done. The slavesthe ex-slaves, Maggie corrected herself-had begunto gather and organize themselves and make plans.Delos and Aradia had sent various messengers outof the valley. There were still things to be settled-months' andyears' worth of things. And Maggie knew that lifewould never be the same for her again. She would never be a normal schoolgirl. Her brother was a shapeshifter-well, at least itwas a form he could enjoy, she thought wryly. Hewas already talking to Jeanne about a new way ofgetting to the summits of mountains-with wings. Her soulmate was a Wild Power. Aradia had already told her what that meant. It meant that theywould have to be protected by the witches and Circle Daybreak until the time of darkness came andDelos was needed, so that the Night World didn'tkill them. And even if they survived until the final battle†¦it was going to be a tough one. Plus, she herself had changed forever. She feltshe owed something to the people of the valley,who were still calling her the Deliverer. She wouldhave to try to help them adjust to the Outside world. Her fate would be intertwined with theirsall her life. But just now, everybody wastalking about getting some food. â€Å"Come into the castle-all of you,† Delos saidsimply. He took Maggie's arm and started toward it. Justthen P.J. pointed to the sky, and there was an awed murmur from the crowd. â€Å"The sun!† It was true. Maggie looked up and was dazzled.In the smooth, pearly sky of the Dark Kingdom, in exactly the place where the blue fire had flashedfrom the earth, there was a little clearing in theclouds. The sun was shining through, chasing awaythe mist, turning the trees in the surrounding hillsemerald green. And glinting off the sleek black walls of the castlelikeamirror. A place of enchantment, Maggie thought, lookingaround in wonder. It really is beautiful here. Then she looked at the boy beside her. At hisdark hairjust now extremely tousled-and hissmooth fair skin, and his elegant bones. At themouth which was still a bit proud and willful, but was mostly vulnerable. And at those fearless, brilliant yellow eyes whichlooked back at her as if she were the most important thing in the universe. â€Å"I suppose that all prophecies come true by accident,† she said slowly and thoughtfully. â€Å"From just ordinary people trying and lucking out.† â€Å"There is nothingordinary about you,† Delossaid, and kissed her. Onefrom the land of kings long forgotten; One from the hearth which still holds the spark; One fromthe Day World where two eyes are watching; One fromthe twilight to be one with the dark.

Friday, November 8, 2019

Financial Analysis of Mr. Joe Schmoes Performance

Financial Analysis of Mr. Joe Schmoes Performance Outline Clipboard Tablet Co. is a firm that manufactures digitized tablets for the mass market with three main products namely; X5, X6 and X7 tablets. The former VP for marketing, Mr. Joe Schmoe has been responsible for product development, RD and marketing of the company’s products.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Analysis of Mr. Joe Schmoe’s Performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a new VP in charge of the company’s marketing department, my new task is to analyze the performance of Joe in the last 6 years on sales, profitability, product development and performance of the company’s products. In the process of conducting analysis, we will look into the organizational strategy that was used by Joe in the process of selling and marketing the products of the Clipboard Tablet Company. Study The major products that were sold by the Clipboard Tablet Company were the three tabl et models of X5, X6 and X7. The main factors and drivers that needed analysis within the sales and marketing division are outlined below: Sales The Clipboard Tablet Co. like other companies value sales as an organizational pillar, since it is on this basis that companies build on value and product development. In the last six years, the company has experienced moderate growth with sales growing to high levels in the year 2012 before a dip in revenues was witnessed. In the year 2010, the X5 and X6 tablet models were the only tablets on sale contributing to $ 465 million in sales. The following year, sales amounted to $ 927 million and this contributed to around a 99% jump in sales (Thierauf, 2011). The 2011 sales were inclusive of the revenues generated by the sale of the X7 tablet which contributed $ 30.3 million to the sales. Consequently, the year 2013 was the best for the company since sales peaked at $ 1,321 million representing a 187% growth rate over a period of 3 years. The X 5 tablet sold more than 936,000 units in the year 2010 while the X6 model sold over 517,000 units in that year. In terms of revenue and units sold, the company had the best revenues in the year 2012 and 2013 when the company sold 2.95 and 2.67 million units respectively (LaForge, 2010). The revenues of the three tablets differed in the last 6 years with X5 contributing $ 1.85 billion in sales while X6 brought in $ 2.88 billion and X7 revenue totalled $ 345 million in the last 6 years. Although, X5 brought in a lot of revenues in terms of sales, the tablet’s revenue had been declining by double digit figures in the last three years up to 2015. While, the reverse has been witnessed for the X7 tablet which sales have been on an upward trend of around 30% per annum for the last 6 years (Thierauf, 2011).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Performance The performance of the Clipboard Tablet Company will be undertaken based on the financial results, revenue and assessment against its competition. The company’s financial position has been marked by up and downs with the years 2011 and 2012 being the best for the company. In these years, the company realized profits amounting to $ 225 million and $ 386 million respectively. Moreover, the revenues in the years 2011 and 2012 grew by around 251% and 71% respectively and this shows that the company has witnessed good results generally in the last 6 years. However, the revenues of X5 and X6 tablets have been sluggish with the last two years witnessing a reduction in revenues on the two tablets. As a result, the profits of the company dipped by a margin of over 30% annually (Siddiqui, 2010). The worst performance of the company in terms of profits came from the year 2014 when the company witnessed a dip of 67% in profits. Compared to its competitors, the revenues and profits of Clipboard Tablet C ompany have been dismal in the last two years when major tablet manufacturers saw double digit growth sales and profit margins. In terms of product offering, the Clipboard tablet company had three products namely X5, X6 and X7 and these tablets were sold at $ 265, $420 and $ 195 respectively and this means that these products were targeted for the low and middle end markets alone. This is in comparison with other competitors who had tablets for the low, middle and high markets retailing at between $ 150 and $ 1,000 (Jones, 2012). Pricing The X5, X6 and X7 tablets were priced at $ 265, $420 and $ 195 respectively in the last 6 years. This pricing mode worked for the company until 2014 when the sales figures for the X5 and X7 dipped. As a result, this fixed pricing mode did not work of the company since prices should not remain static but instead it should reflect market fundamentals of production and demand (Thierauf, 2011). Although, the pricing model of Clipboard Tablet Company mig ht have been based on superiority and popularity of the products, the company should also have considered demand. The price ranges for the tablets adopted by the Clipboard Tablet Company was within one range and thus targeted certain market segment (LaForge, 2010). Product Development The Clipboard Tablet Company focussed it sales on three tablets namely X5, X6 and X7 which were developed and launched in different times. The X5 and X6 tablet were launched before 2010 while the X7 tablet was introduced into the market in the year 2011. The company maintained these three models over the 5 year period of 2011 to 2015 yet no new tablets or improved version of the old X5 and X6 tablets were launched.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Financial Analysis of Mr. Joe Schmoe’s Performance specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The RD allocations of the company in most cases remained static at $ 22 million even though the compa ny witnessed growth in revenues between the periods of 2010 to 2013 (Siddiqui, 2010). As a result, the subsequent years of 2014 and 2015 the sales and popularity of the old X5 and X6 tablets dipped. Furthermore, the company maintained the capacity and development of the products with costs fixed at 33% over the 6 year period. This means that the company was not interested in developing new products since expenditure remained minimal even though the company made good profits. For instance, when the company started experiencing a dip in revenues and profits no concrete actions were taken on new product development (Jones, 2012). The company did not abolish or come up with new clone versions of the tablet and thus sales relied upon the popularity of the old versions of X5 and X6 tablets. Therefore, from our analysis on product development little was done in terms of improvement of this department by Joe Schmoe. Conclusion Under the tenure of Joe, the Clipboard Tablet Company’s p erformance soared and dipped at the same time. Joe stuck with a fixed strategy over the last six years, since the company did not expand its product line and at the same time the company spent less on RD. The technology and communications industry is a fast paced industry with quick changing trends and thus increased expenditure on RD is very important. For instance, we witness that in the periods between 2010 and 2013, the X5 and X6 tablet brands had impressive sales and profit margins. However, in the last years these tablets returned poor sales yet their product prices were maintained. Joe should have been strategic in timing and dropped the prices of the X5 and X6 prices by around 20% from the $ 265 and $ 420 which the tablets were retailing. This move would have netted the company good revenue streams while the company was in the process of launching new products. In the years 2011 and 2012 when the company witnessed high revenues and profits, it would have been wise for the co mpany to launch new tablets that would make competition in the market stiff. Moreover, due to the sustained demand and good sales of the X7 tablet, the company would have come up with a flexible pricing model that would have seen this tablet sold at premium prices to net the company more revenue (Siddiqui, 2010). The best strategy that would have been adopted by Joe was to sell the X5, X6, and X7 tablets at premium prices when the demand was high and discount new products as a means of attracting new consumers.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Therefore, the company’s performance in terms of finances would have remained positive. Moreover, more allocations should have been done on RD and product development to make the company’s products competitive in the tablet industry. References Jones, J., Heitger, D. Mowen, M. (2012). Financial Analysis, Planning Forecasting: Theory and Application. Chicago, IL: John Wiley and Sons. LaForge, R., Avila, R. Schwepker, C. (2010). Sales Management: Analysis and Decision Making. New York, NY: Cengage Learning. Siddiqui, S. (2010). Managerial Economics and Financial Analysis. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Thierauf, R. (2011). Strategic Analytical Processing Systems for Business. Austin, TX: Routledge.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Strategic Management; McLaren group The WritePass Journal

Strategic Management; McLaren group Executive Summary Strategic Management; McLaren group ). Cross Sector Diversification Cross sector diversification occurs when a firm enters into business within a different industry which has a similar value chain as of its core business (Charles et, al. 2010). McLaren also ventured into cross sector diversification by entering into a marketing and advertising business. Similarly, its venturing into the event management and hospitality industry also qualifies for cross sector diversification. Both these businesses share the same value chain as of McLaren’s core racing business to some extent in that they both cater the internal demands of McLaren Group and serve its own customers. McLaren marketing overlooks the group’s marketing activities apart from operating as a separate entity while Absolute Taste (McLaren’s hospitality and event management business) caters the Group’s customer at formula one event along with serving other high-end customers globally. Unrelated Diversification Unrelated diversification occurs when a firm enters into a new business in a different industry than that of its primary business through which it does not aim to achieve any value chain synergies (Charles et, al. 2010). McLaren, diversification into applied technologies can be categorized as unrelated diversification in that this business engages an entirely different value chain in terms of suppliers, production, and customers. This business involves developing groundbreaking technologies for the field of sport, medicine, biomechanics and entertainment (McLaren, 2013). It is worthy to note that this business does benefit from McLaren’s overall technical know-how in providing improved technological systems and solutions and therefore it cannot be definitely termed as unrelated diversification. Historical Perspective on Corporate Diversification From 1950s to 1970s There was an era when there were only a few companies selling similar products within a particular market, while the demands of the customers were relatively simple and less sophisticated. At that time, the phenomenon of strategic management was neither popular nor deemed a critical element for business success. This was the case throughout the first half of the 20th century (Orcullo, 2007). In the following two decades, there was an emphasis upon several principles of management, which were deemed equally applicable across various industries and businesses. Throughout 1960s and 1970s, the simple faith in general management skills justified virtuous circle of corporate growth and diversification. Robert Katz noted in that regard that: We are all familiar with those professional managers who are becoming the prototypes of our modern executive world. These men shift with great ease and with no apparent loss in effectiveness, from one industry to another. Their human and conceptual skil ls seem to make up for their unfamiliarity with the new jobs technical aspects. (Goold and Luchs, 1993) Hence, during 1950s and 1960s, it was widely opined that any business with a relatively effective management could venture into any other related or un-related business solely based upon its managerial resources. Throughout this period, McLaren was simply focused upon its primary business of formula one racing. From 1970s to 1980s According to Orcullo (2007), the notion of strategic management only became popular and well known after the 1970s. Strategic positioning and market competition implied that firms were now under increasing pressure to grow and diversify in order to sustain and thrive in the changing business environment. Concurrently, there was a realization during 1970s and 1980s that different businesses had to be managed differently (Goold and Luchs, 1993). This view encouraged businesses to undergo main related-horizontal diversification so that a firm’s new undertakings may share the exact sources of synergies such as market, operational and management fit. At this time, McLaren strategized to expand into mass car market which closely shared the sources of synergies with McLaren’s racing team. 1990s and Onwards During the late 1980s and 1990s, management literature introduced new themes such as core competencies and management dominant logic view and business synergies. These themes further emphasized on achieving synergy through diversification and venturing into businesses which were directly or indirectly related to the core competencies and fell within the dominant management logic of the company (Goold and Luchs, 1993). Coinciding to these corresponding business views, McLaren was expanding in some of its current businesses during this time which are all either directly or indirectly related to its core competencies and create synergy for the McLaren Group. References Ansoff, I. (1957) Strategies for Diversification. Harvard Business Review. Vol. 35 Issue 5. Carroll, L. (1941). Through the Looking-Glass. The Heritage Press . New York, p. 41. Charles E.,   Bamford, G. and West, P (2010). Strategic Management. Cengage Learning. Goold, M. and Luchs, K. (1993) Why Diversify: Four Decades of Management Thinking. Academic of Management Executive. Vol. 7 No. 3 Johnson G.   Scholes K.   Whittingham W. 2008. Exploring Corporate Strategy. 8th edition. Prentice Hall McLaren (2013) Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. Available from mclaren.com/formula1/page/mclaren-group (cited on 8th, March, 2013) Orcullo, N. (2007) Fundamentals of Strategic Management. Rex Bookstore, Inc. Porter, M.E. (1979)  How Competitive Forces Shape Strategy,  Harvard Business Review, March/April 1979. Porter, M. E. (2001) Service Operations Strategy. Harvard Business School Porter. M.E. (2008). The Five Competitive Forces that Shape Strategy. Harvard Business Review, January 2008, p.86-104. Van Valen, L. (1973) A New Evolutionary Law   in Evolutionary Theory, p. 1-30. William, T. (2009).   McLaren  Ã¢â‚¬â€œ The Cars 1964–2008. Coterie Press.

Monday, November 4, 2019

HR planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

HR planning - Essay Example This paper reviews an article titled Consider Outsourced Training that was published on Workforce, an online HR magazine, on December 23, 2014. The analysis is based on Part II of Strategic Human Resources Planning, 5th Canadian Edition titled HR Planning. 1. Analyze the organization and the industry within which it operates: The author of the article argues that different companies operating in different industries have different training needs. For instance, there are firms operating in highly dynamic industries such as electronic manufacturing. For such firms, it is paramount that employees stay abreast as far as industry innovations are concerned. Otherwise, they risk getting stuck in outdated technologies that would ultimately lead to the firm losing their competitive edge. 2. Identify a specialized training firm that meets the needs of the organization:Whereas there will be several potential service providers, the organization must do due diligence to ensure that they settle on a service that possesses the needed competencies. 3. Consider the mode of training:besides conventional classroom-based training, today increasingly more and more training programs are delivered online. The mode of training an employer settles on should be informed factors such as the nature of the work of the employees. 4. Sign a well-thought contract:A carefully thought and drafted agreement safeguards the interests of the parties involved. In addition, the agreement will minimize the possibility of conflicts by specifying the rights and obligations of each partner. 5. Consider the advantages of outsourced training besides saving money: Besides helping the organization save money, outsourced training helps the organization to free up some time. That time can be invested in the core activities of the organization. The authors of the textbook concur that while training is not a core activity of the organization, it is important to the organization and staff for several

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Comparing and Contrasting Operating Systems Assignment

Comparing and Contrasting Operating Systems - Assignment Example The Novelle Netware OS, however, is older than any of these platforms and has been mainly used as a networking OS. The difference and to the disadvantage of the Windows platform is in regard to the security issues. Viruses and worms are far rarer in Linux and OSX than in Windows. Linux is universally held as a very solid OS and much preferred as server and firewall system. OSX, on the other hand, is a highly customized UNIX system, which also makes it a more security aware infrastructure. According to Thomas, Chanelle and Sicam, the total number of viruses and worms found in the wild infecting Linux systems are less likely than 1,000 while Windows must tackle, approximately 1,000 new viruses every month (185). Meanwhile, Novelle used to be the king in terms of security and reliability but that it has undergone very little upgrades since the 1990s. Another important difference between the operating systems being discussed is the cost. Linux is an open platform, hence, it is free. Windows 2000, Novelle Netware, and the OSX on the other hand, come with expensive price tags. For example, when a consumer upgraded from NT4 to Windows 2000, he had to buy Client Access License besides the software upgrade of $400 or $500 (Boswell 31). However, what made Windows 2000 more attractive for users is the availability as well as the sheer number of compatible applications. Linux users are relatively low compared to the Windows platform and the number of applications developed for it over the years is fewer as well. This is also the case in the OSX’s experience. With regards to Novelle, it has stopped being relevant in the OS market because of its poor graphical user interface and have remained as choice server system only for very few administrators. This factor is still the most significant for users. Despite all the advantages that Linux and OSX has over